Jazz Classes

History of Jazz

A comprehensive overview of the evolution of American jazz from its roots in African folksong and ritual through the present day. Related topics such as Crossover, Third Stream, Fusion, and jazz-influenced classical music will also be considered. Emphasis will be placed on listening and class discussion, with possible live in-class performances. There will also be reading and listening assignments, plus a class presentation on a live jazz performance of the student’s choice.

Text: Tanner, Megill, and Gerow, Jazz, 8th edition.

Saturday, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Jazz Analysis and Stylistic Application

This two-year, four-semester class is designed for advanced and intermediate jazz students. It requires some prior knowledge of jazz theory. In this class, compositions will be analyzed from both the “big picture” (form, harmony, arrangement, melody, and rhythm) and the “little picture” (articulation and methods of improvisation). Source material for the first year has included Charlie Parker, Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Mike Stern, and sources from 20th-century classical music. The purpose of this class is to link jazz history to jazz theory. The second year will explore the styles of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Buddy Guy, Frank Zappa, and more. Students will compose model compositions based on the material in class. Students will also sing and play along with recorded melodies and improvisations to learn different approaches to delivering material.